.tdi_78{min-height:0}
.tdi_80,.tdi_80 .tdc-columns{min-height:0}.tdi_80,.tdi_80 .tdc-columns{display:flex;flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:nowrap;justify-content:flex-start;align-items:flex-end}.tdi_80 .tdc-columns{width:100%}.tdi_80:before,.tdi_80:after{display:none}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_80,.tdi_80 .tdc-columns{flex-direction:column-reverse}}.tdi_80{margin-bottom:140px!important;padding-top:60px!important;position:relative}.tdi_80 .td_block_wrap{text-align:left}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_80{margin-bottom:100px!important;padding-top:50px!important}}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_80{margin-bottom:120px!important;padding-top:50px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_80{margin-bottom:110px!important;padding-top:40px!important}}
.tdi_79_rand_style{background-color:#f7f7f7!important}
.tdi_82{vertical-align:baseline}.tdi_82>.wpb_wrapper,.tdi_82>.wpb_wrapper>.tdc-elements{display:block}.tdi_82>.wpb_wrapper>.tdc-elements{width:100%}.tdi_82>.wpb_wrapper>.vc_row_inner{width:auto}.tdi_82>.wpb_wrapper{width:auto;height:auto}.tdi_82{margin-bottom:-100px!important}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_82{margin-bottom:-90px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_82{margin-bottom:-80px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_82{margin-bottom:-80px!important}}
.tdi_83{margin-bottom:0px!important}
.tdb_single_bg_featured_image{margin-bottom:26px;overflow:hidden}.tdb-featured-image-bg{background-color:#f1f1f1;background-position:center center}.tdb_single_bg_featured_image .tdb-caption-text{z-index:1;text-align:left;font-size:11px;font-style:italic;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;color:#444;display:block}.tdb_single_bg_featured_image.tdb-content-horiz-center .tdb-caption-text{text-align:center;left:0;right:0;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.tdb_single_bg_featured_image.tdb-content-horiz-right .tdb-caption-text{text-align:right;left:auto;right:0}.tdi_83 .tdb-featured-image-bg{background:url(‘https://timebusinessnews.com/wp-content/uploads/dentist-428645_1280.jpg’);background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center 50%;padding-bottom:720px}.tdi_83 .tdb-caption-text{margin:6px 0 0}.tdi_83:after{content:”;position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;background:-webkit-linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(0,0,0,0.6),rgba(0,0,0,0.3) 42%,rgba(0,0,0,0) 61%,rgba(0,0,0,0));background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(0,0,0,0.6),rgba(0,0,0,0.3) 42%,rgba(0,0,0,0) 61%,rgba(0,0,0,0))}html:not(.td-md-is-ios):not(.td-md-is-android) body:not(.tdb-autoload-ajax) .tdi_83 .tdb-featured-image-bg{background-attachment:scroll}.tdi_83 .tdb-featured-image-bg:hover:before{opacity:0}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_83 .tdb-featured-image-bg{padding-bottom:500px}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_83 .tdb-featured-image-bg{padding-bottom:380px}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_83 .tdb-featured-image-bg{padding-bottom:460px}}
.tdi_85{position:absolute!important;top:0;z-index:1;top:auto;bottom:0}.tdi_85,.tdi_85 .tdc-inner-columns{display:block}.tdi_85 .tdc-inner-columns{width:100%}
.tdi_87{vertical-align:baseline}.tdi_87 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper,.tdi_87 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper .tdc-elements{display:block}.tdi_87 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper .tdc-elements{width:100%}
.tdi_88{margin-bottom:0px!important}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_88{margin-bottom:10px!important}}
.tdb_single_categories{margin:0 0 10px 0;line-height:1;font-family:var(–td_default_google_font_1,’Open Sans’,’Open Sans Regular’,sans-serif)}.tdb_single_categories a{pointer-events:auto;font-size:10px;display:inline-block;margin:0 5px 5px 0;line-height:1;color:#fff;padding:3px 6px 4px 6px;white-space:nowrap;position:relative;vertical-align:middle}.tdb_single_categories a:hover .tdb-cat-bg{opacity:0.9}.tdb_single_categories a:hover .tdb-cat-bg:before{opacity:1}.tdb-category i:last-of-type{display:none}.tdb-cat-text{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;margin-right:10px}.tdb-cat-sep{font-size:14px;vertical-align:middle;position:relative}.tdb-cat-sep-svg{line-height:0}.tdb-cat-sep-svg svg{width:14px;height:auto}.tdb-cat-bg{position:absolute;background-color:#222;border:1px solid #222;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0;z-index:-1}.tdb-cat-bg:before{content:”;width:100%;height:100%;left:0;top:0;position:absolute;z-index:-1;opacity:0;-webkit-transition:opacity 0.3s ease;transition:opacity 0.3s ease}.tdb-cat-style2 .tdb-cat-bg{background-color:rgba(34,34,34,0.85)}.tdi_88 .tdb-entry-category{padding:0px;margin:5px 10px;color:#ffffff!important;font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:17px!important;line-height:1!important;font-weight:600!important;text-transform:uppercase!important;letter-spacing:1px!important}.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-bg{border-width:0px;background-color:rgba(255,255,255,0)!important}.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-bg:before{background-color:rgba(255,255,255,0)}.tdi_88 .tdb-entry-category:hover{color:rgba(255,255,255,0.8)!important}.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-sep{font-size:14px;color:#999999}.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-sep-svg svg,.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-sep-svg svg *{fill:#999999}.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-text{margin-right:10px}.td-theme-wrap .tdi_88{text-align:center}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_88 .tdb-entry-category{font-size:16px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_88 .tdb-entry-category{margin:0 4px 0;font-size:15px!important}.tdi_88 .tdb-cat-sep{font-size:11px}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_88 .tdb-entry-category{font-size:14px!important}}HEALTH
.tdi_89{margin-top:20px!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-bottom:50px!important;margin-left:auto!important;width:90%!important}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_89{margin-bottom:40px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_89{margin-top:15px!important;margin-bottom:30px!important;width:95%!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_89{margin-top:10px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important;padding-right:10px!important;padding-left:10px!important;width:100%!important}}
.tdb_title{margin-bottom:19px}.tdb_title.tdb-content-horiz-center{text-align:center}.tdb_title.tdb-content-horiz-center .tdb-title-line{margin:0 auto}.tdb_title.tdb-content-horiz-right{text-align:right}.tdb_title.tdb-content-horiz-right .tdb-title-line{margin-left:auto;margin-right:0}.tdb-title-text{display:inline-block;position:relative;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word;font-size:30px;line-height:38px;font-weight:700}.tdb-first-letter{position:absolute;-webkit-user-select:none;user-select:none;pointer-events:none;text-transform:uppercase;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.08);font-size:6em;font-weight:300;top:50%;-webkit-transform:translateY(-50%);transform:translateY(-50%);left:-0.36em;z-index:-1;-webkit-text-fill-color:initial}.tdb-title-line{display:none;position:relative}.tdb-title-line:after{content:”;width:100%;position:absolute;background-color:var(–td_theme_color,#4db2ec);top:0;left:0;margin:auto}.tdb-single-title .tdb-title-text{font-size:41px;line-height:50px;font-weight:400}.tdi_89 .tdb-title-text{color:#ffffff;font-family:PT Serif!important;font-size:54px!important;line-height:1.1!important;font-weight:700!important}.tdi_89 .tdb-title-line:after{height:2px;bottom:40%}.tdi_89 .tdb-title-line{height:50px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.td-theme-wrap .tdi_89{text-align:center}.tdi_89 .tdb-first-letter{left:0;right:0}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_89 .tdb-title-text{font-size:42px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_89 .tdb-title-text{font-size:36px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_89 .tdb-title-text{font-size:30px!important}}

Lexapro vs Zoloft: Who Should Avoid Each One?

.tdi_91,.tdi_91 .tdc-columns{min-height:0}#tdi_90.tdc-row[class*=’stretch_row’]>.td-pb-row>.td-element-style,#tdi_90.tdc-row[class*=’stretch_row’]>.td-pb-row>.tdc-video-outer-wrapper{width:100%!important}.tdi_91,.tdi_91 .tdc-columns{display:block}.tdi_91 .tdc-columns{width:100%}.tdi_91:before,.tdi_91:after{display:table}.tdi_91{margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:60px!important;margin-left:0px!important;padding-bottom:30px!important;position:relative}.tdi_91 .td_block_wrap{text-align:left}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_91{margin-right:15px!important;margin-bottom:30px!important;margin-left:15px!important;padding-bottom:20px!important}}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_91{margin-bottom:40px!important;padding-bottom:25px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_91{margin-bottom:30px!important;padding-bottom:20px!important}}
.tdi_90_rand_style>.td-element-style-before{content:”!important;width:100%!important;height:100%!important;position:absolute!important;top:0!important;left:0!important;display:block!important;z-index:0!important;border-color:#eaeaea!important;border-style:solid!important;border-width:0px 0px 1px 0px!important}
.tdi_93{vertical-align:baseline}.tdi_93>.wpb_wrapper,.tdi_93>.wpb_wrapper>.tdc-elements{display:block}.tdi_93>.wpb_wrapper>.tdc-elements{width:100%}.tdi_93>.wpb_wrapper>.vc_row_inner{width:auto}.tdi_93>.wpb_wrapper{width:auto;height:auto}
.tdi_95{position:relative!important;top:0;transform:none;-webkit-transform:none}.tdi_95,.tdi_95 .tdc-inner-columns{display:block}.tdi_95 .tdc-inner-columns{width:100%}.tdi_95{border-color:#eaeaea!important;border-style:solid!important;border-width:0!important}.tdi_95 .td_block_wrap{text-align:left}
.tdi_97{vertical-align:baseline}.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper,.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper .tdc-elements{display:flex;flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:nowrap;justify-content:center;align-items:center}.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper .tdc-elements{width:100%}.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner,.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper{width:100%;height:100%}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper,.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper .tdc-elements{display:block}.tdi_97 .vc_column-inner>.wpb_wrapper .tdc-elements{width:100%}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_97{justify-content:center!important;text-align:center!important}}
.tdi_98{margin-bottom:0px!important}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_98{margin-bottom:5px!important;width:100%!important}}
.tdb-post-meta{margin-bottom:16px;color:#444;font-family:var(–td_default_google_font_1,’Open Sans’,’Open Sans Regular’,sans-serif);font-size:11px;font-weight:400;clear:none;vertical-align:middle;line-height:1}.tdb-post-meta span,.tdb-post-meta i,.tdb-post-meta time{vertical-align:middle}.tdb_single_author{line-height:30px}.tdb_single_author a{vertical-align:middle}.tdb_single_author .tdb-block-inner{display:flex;align-items:center}.tdb_single_author .tdb-author-name-wrap{display:flex}.tdb_single_author .tdb-author-name{font-weight:700;margin-right:3px}.tdb_single_author .tdb-author-by{margin-right:3px}.tdb_single_author .tdb-author-photo img{display:block}.tdi_98{display:inline-block}.tdi_98 .tdb-block-inner{justify-content:center}.tdi_98 .tdb-author-name-wrap{align-items:baseline}.tdi_98 .tdb-author-by{margin-right:10px;color:#000000;font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:15px!important;line-height:1.2!important;font-weight:600!important}.tdi_98 .avatar{width:20px;height:20px;margin-right:6px;border-radius:50%}.tdi_98 .tdb-author-name{color:#000000;font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:15px!important;line-height:1.2!important;font-weight:600!important;text-transform:capitalize!important}.tdi_98 .tdb-author-name:hover{color:#ec3535}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_98 .tdb-author-by{margin-right:8px;font-size:14px!important}.tdi_98 .tdb-author-name{font-size:14px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_98 .tdb-author-by{font-size:14px!important}.tdi_98 .tdb-author-name{font-size:14px!important}}By: Muhammad Umar
.tdi_99{margin-right:10px!important;margin-left:20px!important;padding-left:22px!important;border-color:#999999!important;border-style:solid!important;border-width:0px 0px 0px 1px!important}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_99{margin-left:0px!important;padding-top:5px!important;padding-left:0px!important;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_99{margin-right:8px!important;margin-left:12px!important;padding-left:16px!important}}
.tdm_block.tdm_block_inline_text{margin-bottom:0;vertical-align:top}.tdm_block.tdm_block_inline_text .tdm-descr{margin-bottom:0;-webkit-transform:translateZ(0);transform:translateZ(0)}.tdc-row-content-vert-center .tdm-inline-text-yes{vertical-align:middle}.tdc-row-content-vert-bottom .tdm-inline-text-yes{vertical-align:bottom}.tdi_99{text-align:left!important}.tdi_99 .tdm-descr{color:#000000;font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:15px!important;line-height:1.2!important;font-weight:600!important}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_99 .tdm-descr{font-size:14px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_99 .tdm-descr{font-size:14px!important}}Date:
.tdi_100{margin-top:-1px!important;margin-bottom:0px!important}@media(min-width:1141px){.tdi_100{display:inline-block!important}}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_100{display:inline-block!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_100{display:inline-block!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_100{margin-top:0px!important;display:inline-block!important}}
.tdb_single_date{line-height:30px}.tdb_single_date a{vertical-align:middle}.tdb_single_date .tdb-date-icon-svg{position:relative;line-height:0}.tdb_single_date svg{height:auto}.tdb_single_date svg,.tdb_single_date svg *{fill:#444}.tdi_100 svg{width:14px}.tdi_100 .tdb-date-icon{margin-right:5px}.tdi_100{color:#000000;font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:15px!important;line-height:1.2!important;font-weight:600!important}.tdi_100 svg,.tdi_100 svg *{fill:#000000}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_100{font-size:14px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_100{font-size:14px!important}}July 2, 2025
.tdi_102,.tdi_102 .tdc-columns{min-height:0}.tdi_102,.tdi_102 .tdc-columns{display:block}.tdi_102 .tdc-columns{width:100%}.tdi_102:before,.tdi_102:after{display:table}.tdi_102{margin-bottom:80px!important}.tdi_102 .td_block_wrap{text-align:left}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_102{margin-bottom:60px!important}}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_102{margin-bottom:60px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_102{margin-bottom:40px!important}}
.tdi_104{vertical-align:baseline}.tdi_104>.wpb_wrapper,.tdi_104>.wpb_wrapper>.tdc-elements{display:block}.tdi_104>.wpb_wrapper>.tdc-elements{width:100%}.tdi_104>.wpb_wrapper>.vc_row_inner{width:auto}.tdi_104>.wpb_wrapper{width:auto;height:auto}.tdi_104{width:71%!important}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_104{width:70%!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_104{width:70%!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_104{margin-bottom:40px!important;width:100%!important}}
.tdi_105{margin-top:0px!important}
.tdb_single_content{margin-bottom:0;*zoom:1}.tdb_single_content:before,.tdb_single_content:after{display:table;content:”;line-height:0}.tdb_single_content:after{clear:both}.tdb_single_content .tdb-block-inner>*:not(.wp-block-quote):not(.alignwide):not(.alignfull.wp-block-cover.has-parallax):not(.td-a-ad){margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.tdb_single_content a{pointer-events:auto}.tdb_single_content .td-spot-id-top_ad .tdc-placeholder-title:before{content:’Article Top Ad’!important}.tdb_single_content .td-spot-id-inline_ad0 .tdc-placeholder-title:before{content:’Article Inline Ad 1′!important}.tdb_single_content .td-spot-id-inline_ad1 .tdc-placeholder-title:before{content:’Article Inline Ad 2′!important}.tdb_single_content .td-spot-id-inline_ad2 .tdc-placeholder-title:before{content:’Article Inline Ad 3′!important}.tdb_single_content .td-spot-id-bottom_ad .tdc-placeholder-title:before{content:’Article Bottom Ad’!important}.tdb_single_content .id_top_ad,.tdb_single_content .id_bottom_ad{clear:both;margin-bottom:21px;text-align:center}.tdb_single_content .id_top_ad img,.tdb_single_content .id_bottom_ad img{margin-bottom:0}.tdb_single_content .id_top_ad .adsbygoogle,.tdb_single_content .id_bottom_ad .adsbygoogle{position:relative}.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-left,.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-right,.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-center{margin-bottom:15px}.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-left img,.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-right img,.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-center img{margin-bottom:0}.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-center{text-align:center}.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-center img{margin-right:auto;margin-left:auto}.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-left{float:left;margin-top:9px;margin-right:21px}.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-right{float:right;margin-top:6px;margin-left:21px}.tdb_single_content .tdc-a-ad .tdc-placeholder-title{width:300px;height:250px}.tdb_single_content .tdc-a-ad .tdc-placeholder-title:before{position:absolute;top:50%;-webkit-transform:translateY(-50%);transform:translateY(-50%);margin:auto;display:table;width:100%}.tdb_single_content .tdb-block-inner.td-fix-index{word-break:break-word}.tdi_105,.tdi_105>p,.tdi_105 .tdb-block-inner>p,.wp-block-column>p{font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:16px!important;line-height:1.6!important;font-weight:400!important}.tdi_105 h1{font-family:PT Serif!important}.tdi_105 h2{font-family:PT Serif!important}.tdi_105 h3:not(.tds-locker-title){font-family:PT Serif!important}.tdi_105 h4{font-family:PT Serif!important}.tdi_105 h5{font-family:PT Serif!important}.tdi_105 h6{font-family:PT Serif!important}.tdi_105 li{font-family:Work Sans!important;font-size:16px!important;font-weight:400!important}.tdi_105 li:before{margin-top:1px;line-height:16px!important}.tdi_105 .tdb-block-inner blockquote p{font-family:PT Serif!important;font-weight:700!important;text-transform:none!important;letter-spacing:-0.5px!important;color:#ec3535}.tdi_105 .wp-caption-text,.tdi_105 figcaption{font-family:PT Serif!important;color:#999999}.tdi_105,.tdi_105 p{color:#000000}.tdi_105 h1,.tdi_105 h2,.tdi_105 h3:not(.tds-locker-title),.tdi_105 h4,.tdi_105 h5,.tdi_105 h6{color:#000000}.tdi_105 a:not(.wp-block-button__link){color:#ec3535}.tdi_105 a:not(.wp-block-button__link):hover{color:#c11f1f}.tdi_105 .page-nav a,.tdi_105 .page-nav span,.tdi_105 .page-nav>div{font-family:Work Sans!important}@media (max-width:767px){.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-left,.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-right,.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-center{margin:0 auto 26px auto}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-left{margin-right:0}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdb_single_content .id_ad_content-horiz-right{margin-left:0}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdb_single_content .td-a-ad{float:none;text-align:center}.tdb_single_content .td-a-ad img{margin-right:auto;margin-left:auto}.tdb_single_content .tdc-a-ad{float:none}}@media (min-width:1019px) and (max-width:1140px){.tdi_105,.tdi_105>p,.tdi_105 .tdb-block-inner>p,.wp-block-column>p{font-size:15px!important}.tdi_105 li{font-size:15px!important}.tdi_105 li:before{margin-top:1px;line-height:15px!important}}@media (min-width:768px) and (max-width:1018px){.tdi_105,.tdi_105>p,.tdi_105 .tdb-block-inner>p,.wp-block-column>p{font-size:14px!important}.tdi_105 li{font-size:14px!important}.tdi_105 li:before{margin-top:1px;line-height:14px!important}}@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_105 img.aligncenter,.tdi_105 .aligncenter img{margin-left:-20px;width:calc(100% + (2 * 20px));max-width:none!important}.tdi_105,.tdi_105>p,.tdi_105 .tdb-block-inner>p,.wp-block-column>p{font-size:15px!important}.tdi_105 li{font-size:15px!important}.tdi_105 li:before{margin-top:1px;line-height:15px!important}}
When it comes to treating depression and anxiety, zoloft vs lexapro are two of the most commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While both medications are effective for many people, they are not suitable for everyone. Understanding who should avoid Lexapro or Zoloft can help patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about mental health treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between Lexapro and Zoloft and highlight the groups of people who should exercise caution or avoid these medications entirely.

Finding the Right Balance: Managing ADHD and Anxiety in Adults

Choosing the right treatment for adults dealing with both ADHD and anxiety can be complex. Stimulants like Vyvanse or non-stimulants such as Strattera may be effective, but individual needs vary. For those sensitive to stimulants, non-stimulants often offer better tolerance. It’s crucial to find the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety that manages focus without worsening anxious symptoms. Consulting a psychiatrist is essential to tailor a plan that balances both conditions. Often, therapy combined with medication offers the most comprehensive relief, helping individuals regain control over daily tasks and emotional well-being.

What Are Lexapro and Zoloft?

Feeling Cracked? Meet Lexapro and Zoloft – Your Mood‑Boosting Buddies

What’s the deal? Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are your trusty side‑kicks in the fight against low spirits. They’re part of the SSRIs (selective serotonin re‑uptake inhibitors) squad, meaning they help flood the brain with serotonin—the chemical that cheers your mood up.

Lexapro: The “Just Big Three” Go‑to

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – If your days feel like a grey parade, Lexapro may help paint them brighter.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Quiet your restless thoughts with a cleaner, calmer brain.

Zoloft: The “All‑Around” Champion

• Depression – Because everyone can use a mood lift.
• Anxiety Disorders – From tipsy jitters to racing nerves.
• Panic Disorder – When scary moments hit like a sudden thunderstorm.
• Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Tame that inner critic crew.
• Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Heal the invisible scars from past battles.

Think of these meds as a quiet reassuring voice in your head, nudging serotonin levels to keep your mood anchored. Whether you pick the focused Lexapro or the versatile Zoloft, both are designed to smooth out the emotional highs and lows, so you can put your best foot forward.

Remember:

Talk to a healthcare professional before making any changes. They’ll help you choose the right one to fit your unique storyline.

Lexapro: Who Should Avoid It?

While Lexapro is generally well-tolerated, certain individuals should avoid it or only use it under close medical supervision. These include:

1. People with Bipolar Disorder

Lexapro can trigger manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. If taken without a mood stabilizer, SSRIs like Lexapro may cause a sudden shift from depression to mania. This risk makes it essential for anyone with a history of bipolar disorder or undiagnosed mood swings to undergo thorough psychiatric evaluation before starting Lexapro.

2. Individuals Taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Why Mixing Lexapro With MAOIs Is a Big No‑Go

Imagine your brain as a delicate orchestra—your mood meds are the conductors, and MAOIs are the extra instruments. When you let them jam together, the whole symphony can go off the rails.

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

• Serotonin overload: Strays & crash‑course version of a serotonin high‑speed chase.
• Signs & Symptoms: Think agitation, hallucinations, a heart that beats like a drum solo, and blood pressure so high you might think your CV was inflating.
• Timing matters: If you’re on Lexapro and an MAOI, or you’ve stopped an MAOI “just 14 days ago,” the brain’s serotonin levels can reach dangerous peaks.

Feel the Drama, Not the Danger

Getting caught in serotonin syndrome is like stepping onto a carousel that turns on its own—spinning out of control. It’s hyper‑life‑threatening and should be avoided at all costs.

Bottom Line

Never mix Lexapro and MAOIs. Keep them separate, and respect the 14‑day gap rule. Treat your brain like a fine painting—two colors can blend, but they don’t mix in the same pot.

3. Patients with Liver Impairment

Since Lexapro is metabolized in the liver, individuals with significant liver impairment may be at increased risk of drug accumulation and toxicity. Dosage adjustments or alternative medications may be necessary in such cases.

4. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Although Lexapro may be prescribed during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks, it’s not typically the first choice. Some studies have shown potential risks of birth defects and neonatal complications. Breastfeeding women should also use Lexapro with caution, as small amounts of the drug can pass into breast milk.

5. Children and Adolescents

Lexapro is approved for use in adolescents aged 12 and older for the treatment of depression. However, younger children should not take Lexapro unless specifically directed by a specialist. The drug may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in young users, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment.

Zoloft: Who Should Avoid It?

Zoloft has a broader range of approved uses than Lexapro, but it also comes with specific risks. The following individuals should avoid Zoloft or consult their healthcare provider before taking it:

1. People with Seizure Disorders

Zoloft can lower the seizure threshold and may increase the risk of seizures in individuals with epilepsy or other seizure conditions. Such patients need close monitoring or an alternative medication.

2. Patients with a History of Serotonin Syndrome

Anyone who has previously experienced serotonin syndrome should avoid Zoloft, as it can trigger a recurrence. Combining Zoloft with other serotonergic drugs also increases this risk and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

3. Those Taking Blood Thinners or NSAIDs

Zoloft can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with medications like aspirin, warfarin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This risk is particularly high in older adults or individuals with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.

4. Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol can amplify the sedative effects of Zoloft and increase the risk of liver toxicity and mood instability. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence should be cautious and may need a different treatment plan.

5. People with Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

Zoloft may increase intraocular pressure, potentially worsening narrow-angle glaucoma. Patients with this eye condition should alert their ophthalmologist and psychiatrist before starting Zoloft.

Key Differences Between Lexapro and Zoloft

Deciding Between Lexapro and Zoloft

Key Differences in a Nutshell

• Lexapro: A smoother ride with fewer side‑effects and a diet that’s friendly to most other meds.
• Zoloft: The Swiss‑army knife of anxiety drugs—handles a bigger spread of worries.

What Docs Look For Before the Final Pick

When doctors line up options, they dig into the patient’s story.

• Medical History—any past flags that might trip up the medication?
• Current Meds—will it play nicely with what’s already on the shelf?
• Specific Symptoms—which anxiety traits need a tailored touch?

Final Thoughts

Lexapro and Zoloft are powerful tools in managing depression and anxiety, but they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. Lexapro may not be ideal for those with liver issues, bipolar disorder, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. On the other hand, Zoloft may be risky for individuals with seizure disorders, bleeding risks, or glaucoma. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping any antidepressant. Personalized care is essential in finding the safest and most effective treatment for your mental health needs.